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Alunbrig (brigatinib)

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By Editorial Team

2 min read

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: September 2023 | Last updated: October 2023

Alunbrig™ (brigatinib) is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with non-small lung cancer (NSCLC) that has a certain type of abnormal anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene and has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic). Alunbrig is a type of targeted therapy.1

What are the ingredients in Alunbrig?

The active ingredient in Alunbrig is brigatinib.1

How does Alunbrig work?

Alunbrig is a kind of drug known as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, or ALK inhibitor. It works by blocking the abnormal ALK protein that causes the growth and spread of ALK-positive NSCLC.1

What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effects of Alunbrig include:1

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  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Cough
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain
  • High blood pressure
  • Vomiting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Rash

These are not all the possible side effects of Alunbrig. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking Alunbrig. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking Alunbrig.

Other things to know

Limit time in the sun during and after treatment with Alunbrig. Alunbrig may make your skin sensitive to sunlight. You may burn more easily and get severe sunburns. When in the sun, wear a hat and protective clothing, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and lip balm with SPF of 30 or greater to protect against sunburn.1

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice during treatment with Alunbrig. Grapefruit may increase the amount of Alunbrig in your blood.1

Before starting treatment with Alunbrig, tell your doctor if you have:1

  • Lung or breathing problems
  • High blood pressure
  • A slow heartbeat
  • Any vision problems
  • Current or past pancreatitis
  • Liver problems
  • Diabetes or glucose intolerance
  • Kidney problems or are on dialysis

Alunbrig can harm an unborn baby. If you or your partner can become pregnant, you should use birth control during treatment and for some time after the last dose of Alunbrige. You should also not breastfeed during treatment with Alunbrig and for some time after the last dose. Talk to your doctor about your options for birth control and breastfeeding while taking Alunbrig.1

Before beginning treatment for lung cancer, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.

For more information, read the full prescribing information of Alunbrig.